Newark Attends the 2024 AWWA NJ Conference: PFAS, Presentations, & Awards
The Newark Water & Sewer team at the AWWA NJ 2024 Conference in Atlantic City.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The City of Newark’s Department of Water & Sewer Utilities attended the three-day 2024 Annual Conference hosted by the American Water Works Association, New Jersey Section (AWWA NJ) in Atlantic City on March 19-22, with the focus on PFAS in water supplies.
Representing Newark were 15 environmental engineers who operate and manage Newark’s water supply and infrastructure, including the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant in West Milford.
At the conference, members of the Newark utility networked water professionals, engineers, and allied industries from around the state to discuss the latest practices, developments and challenges in water and wastewater services.
The conference held over 80 technical sessions on pertinent water topics, with particular attention to the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” Skylar Reed, a Newark utility environmental engineer, gave a presentation on PFAS removal in stormwater using enhanced biochar and activated carbon-amended biofiltration technology.
“How we deal with PFAS is a new frontier in water safety and quality,” said Kareem Adeem, the director of the Newark Water & Sewer Utilities.
Newark received two awards from AWWA NJ at the conference: the 2024 Employer Support Award, for exceptional support for the growth and development for employees and young professionals, and the 2024 Innovation Award, for a project idea that inspires innovation of best water practices. The Innovation Award recognized Newark’s Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Project, which replaced over 23,000 lead lines in less than three years at no cost to residents.
Newark wins AWWA NJ 2024 Employer
Support Award
Environmental Engineer Mark Whittaker and Pequannock Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Kevin Greer accept the 2024 Employer Support Award, presented by AWWA Vice President Mary Gugliuzza.
Newark wins AWWA NJ 2024 Innovation Award
Water & Sewer Utility Director Kareem Adeem was presented with the 2024 Innovation Award on Thursday evening for the “transformative impact” of the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program.
“We thank AWWA NJ for this incredible recognition”, said Director Adeem. “This project would not have been possible without the talented and hard-working teams we have in Newark, West Milford, Cedar Grove, and Little Falls. We will continue to deliver on our mission of becoming the best publicly owned water utility not just in the state, but in the nation”.
The AWWA NJ has over 1,300 member organizations, including public and privately owned water utilities, environmental groups, and consulting and construction firms, that work to protect and provide clean water for the state’s residents.
Winnie & Sammie meet AWWA mascot, Eddy!
The Newark Water & Sewer Utility mascots, Winnie & Sammie, made a surprise appearance at Wednesday afternoon’s award ceremony, and met AWWA’s mascot, Eddy!